4 Ways to Feel Empowered at the Dentist If You Feel Powerless

19 July 2017

If you are afraid of the dentist, the fear can come from a lot of places, but in many cases, it comes from a feeling of a lack of control. If you believe your dental anxiety stems from a fear of losing control, you may want to explore some empowering strategies. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

1. Don't Get Rushed Into Decisions

Dentists know all kinds of things that you don't, but that doesn't mean that they have the right to decide what happens to your mouth or to push you into procedures you don't want. Ask the dentist for a list of options.

For example, if you are missing a tooth, your options may be to leave the spot empty or put in an implant. When you have a list of options, go home, do some research and come to a conclusion on your own terms. Then, make your follow-up appointment at the dentist office.

2. Specify That You Need Gentle Cleanings

Cleanings shouldn't be painful, but they can be uncomfortable, especially if you have issues with your gums. To prevent your gums from bleeding and to minimise discomfort, ask the hygienist to work slowly and be as gentle as possible on your teeth. Make that desire clear before you start, and work out a hand signal so that you can stop the hygienist as needed. Knowing that you can stop the work as desired can help to lessen some of your fear.

3. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

You have the right to know what's happening with your dental care, and by extension, you have the right to ask as many questions as you want. Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything from the X-ray techniques to the process for curing teeth before adding a crown. If the dentist refuses to answer questions, that may be a sign that that individual isn't a good match for your needs.

If you have lots of questions, you may need to book extra time. Some dental clinics are willing to give patients a double time slot. That may be necessary if you anticipate needing a lot of extra information about procedures and options.

4. Shop Around Until You Find the Right Fit

Dentists are people, and simply put, you are not going to click with every dental provider you meet. So that you feel empowered, you may want to look around until you find the right dentist. You may even want to see if you can meet the dentist before you have your first appointment.

About Me

My name is Tod and I love teeth. I am not a dentist but ever since I was a boy, I have been fascinated by what is in my mouth. I remember when I was little, I would spend hours looking into the mirror, trying to see what my teeth looked like. When I was 7-years old, I went to a dental summer camp and learnt even more about how bacteria and acids can cause teeth to decay. In my teens, I was fitted with braces and I learnt lots of cool stuff about brace care. Now, I am grown up, but I still have my childhood passion for dentistry and I look forward to every checkup.